Category: Sheffield

I have been known to treat a history lesson like an afternoon in the cinema; I compulsively munch on snacks at the back, nod when I’m satisfied and laugh far louder than the people around me. It’s partly for this that I looked forward to lessons, and like good jokes, there were certain stories I…

I love a good story with compelling characters, a complex and unpredictable plot, maybe a weird twist. Sometimes with a little drama, some sex and violence, a side helping of heroism. And you’d be hard pressed to find better stories than in a history lesson. History has it all, or at least, so far. You…

Within the comic book industry, there are writers who are desperately doing their utmost to break the trends and associated stereotypes. To write comics that aren’t just for small kids. To write stories without the need of a superhero. To access an audience that beyond the prepubescent and forty-somethings still living with their parents. To…

For anyone who hasn’t seen the tv show firefly (and what are you doing reading this if you haven’t seen it yet?), in one famous scene, Shepherd turns to Mal and warns him against taking advantage of an innocent woman. In his words, “if you take advantage of that young woman you’re going to burn…

Do something new. Something nobody has done before you, or at the very least find a different spin on an old topic. That was the recommendation when we were tasked with starting our dissertation projects at university. Some chose social issues in Japan, some took on international politics, others dove into representation in cinema (lucky…

Saturday night, in all it’s glamour and promise of fun, hides a terrible darkness. An onslaught of people so ordinary, that it is with great horror to see them merge into the swarm. Advancing near unstoppably toward you, tearing up everything in its path to leave the world barren in its wake (even Moses might…

The U.K doesn’t really suffer many natural disasters. There’s the occasional flood but, unless your car or house is your baby then it can only be considered property damage. Once every blue moon when the stars are aligned, there might be an earthquake so powerful, that with its overwhelming brutal force, it’ll knock over a…

Sheffield has produced some great and famous people over the years. Academics, writers, politicians, prostitutes (yes you read that correctly. A lady who goes by the name ‘Belle de Jour’ achieved national fame for publishing her memoirs and even got a tv show starring Billie Piper. Sheffield university was oh-so-proud when it was revealed exactly…

Step 3. Beware the wildlife A. War of the Ducks Dormitories are often on beautiful campuses, maybe even complete with parks or ponds. Mine in Sheffield was no different. But never forget that despite its beauty, that deadly creatures roam the British countryside and sometimes they make there way into cities. Of course…

Living in dormitories in your first year of university is one of those must-have experiences that everyone told me about and when it goes well, it goes very well (Thank you Gumyoji). But Sheffield was an entirely different matter compared to Yokohama, the same way Ghana and Gulana are not quite the same (one is…

Capoeira is far more cultural than most sports. Before the legions of football and baseball hooligans charge me with their pitchforks and lynch me, allow me to explain. It may not reach many people outside of Brazil, but it comes a long list of etiquette you need to adhere to, as well having very strong…

Everyone can appreciate pleasant customer services, from both sides. Whether you’re the customer or the seller, friendly conversation and a smile can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable. I try to make a habit of offering basic civilities whenever I approach a counter. As simple as a greeting, a smile, maybe even…